Most of the world’s religions offer the same formula for success: do the right things in the right way and you’ll be rewarded. But as each devout follower soon learns, the burden of carrying that pressure on our own is just too heavy. Because on our own, we’re never good enough. We can’t produce the right things or be the right person. So if success in our religion is resting on our ability to accomplish it, we’re all going to fail.
But then there’s Jesus. And He offers the opposite solution. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Every measure of success in our whole faith rests in this promise. Jesus is the source. He produces the fruit. Everything good comes through Him. Our only job is to stay connected so His life-giving Spirit can work through us.
If you’ve been running yourself ragged trying to be the ideal Christian, using your own strength and energy to be good enough, find comfort in Jesus’ instructions. Remain in Him, and let Him produce the fruit in your life!